STUDENT HANDBOOK GUIDE TO THE
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK DEGREE PROGRAM
2012-2013
HAWAII PACIFIC UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
Page | 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
PREFACE ... 4
WELCOME MESSAGE ... 5
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK ... 7
HISTORY ... 7
ACCREDITATION ... 7
MISSION ... 7
MSW GOALS AND PRACTICE BEHAVIORS ... 8
MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW) PROGRAM ... 14
MSW REGULAR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS ... 14
MSW ADVANCED STANDING (MSWAS) PROGRAM ... 14
MSW CURRICULUM ... 15
DESIGNING THE MSW CURRICULUM ... 16
METHODS OF INSTRUCTION ... 17
MSW FOUNDATION CURRICULUM (30 Credits) ... 18
MSW ADVANCED CURRICULUM (30 Credits) ... 19
ENROLLMENT OPTIONS ... 21
Full-time Study ... 21
Part-Time Study ... 22
Changing Enrollment Options ... 22
FIELD EDUCATION ... 22
MSW STUDENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ... 24
APPLICATION POLICY AND PROCEDURES ... 24
Criteria for Advanced Standing ... 24
Application Review and Interview ... 24
Pre-Requisite Courses ... 25
TRANSFER OF CREDITS ... 25
No Academic Credit for Life Experience ... 25
CONDITIONAL ADMISSION ... 26
ORIENTATION ... 26
SOCIAL WORK AND ACADEMIC ADVISING ... 26
Social Work Faculty Advisor ... 26
C-GAS Academic Advisor ... 27
Plan of Study and Registration Procedures... 27
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES ... 28
Withdrawal Policy and Procedures ... 28
Withdrawal and Leave of Absence from University and the School of Social Work ... 28
Change In Registration (Add/Drop) Policy and Procedures ... 29
Petition to Graduate... 29
Honors at Graduation ... 29
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS ... 30
AREA I: BASIC CAPACITY TO ACQUIRE PROFESSIONAL SKILLS ... 30
AREA II: MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL CAPACITY ... 31
AREA III: PROFESSIONAL PERFORMANCE ... 32
AREA IV: SCHOLASTIC/ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE STANDARD ... 33
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REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH A DISABILITY ... 34
VIOLATIONS OF THE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS ... 35
SUSPENSION ... Error! Bookmark not defined. PROBATION ... 36
Academic Probation ... 36
Violation of the Law or Code ... 36
SUSPENSION FROM THE MSW PROGRAM ... 37
Student Right to Appeal the Suspension Decision ... 38
Re-Instatement After Being Dismissed from the MSW Program ... 38
ORGANIZATIONS AFFILITED WITH THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK ... 39
NASW AND HAWAII SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE ... 40
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE .... 42
OTHER UNIVERSITY RESOURCES AND ITEMS OF SPECIAL INTEREST ... 43
CENTER FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS (CAS) ... 43
CENTER FOR GRADUATE AND ADULT SERVICES (C-GAS) ... 43
COUNSELING AND BEHAVIOR HEALTH SERVICES ... 44
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AND SCHOLARSHIPS ... 44
Financial Assistance ... 44
Perkins Loan Repayment ... 44
Scholarships ... 44
LIBRARY ... 45
UNIVERSITY COMPUTER CENTER AND WIRELESS NETWORK ... 45
HAWAI‘I PACIFIC UNIVERSITY COMPREHENSIVE NONDISCRIMINATION NOTICE ... 47
Page | 4
PREFACE
The Student Handbook Guide to the MSW Degree Program sets forth the educational policies and procedures, exclusive of policies and procedures specific to field instruction, that govern the MSW program and its students. The Handbook should be used in conjunction with the Hawaii Pacific University Academic Catalog 2011-2013 and the Hawaii Pacific University Student Handbook (2011-2012), which are both available online at the following URLs:
http://www.hpu.edu/academic_catalog/docs/HPU_Academic_Catalog_2011-2013.pdf http://www.hpu.edu/CampusPipeline/Publications/Student_Handbook_061411.pdf
The curriculum, policies, and procedures set forth in the Guide are in effect for the 2012-2013 academic year and will govern most, if not all, of the educational experiences of students beginning study in the 2012-2013 academic year.
Faculty of MSW School of Social Work Program and of the Hawaii Pacific University as a whole, however, reserves the right to make those changes in curriculum, policies, and procedures that will enhance the educational experience and outcomes of students and is aligned with the 2008 Education Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
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WELCOME MESSAGE FROM THE
DIRECTOR OF THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
Dear MSW Student:Welcome all students, whether new or continuing, to the School of Social Work at Hawai‘i Pacific University. You have identified social work as your future profession, and have entrusted us with your professional education. We will do our best to live up to this trust by facilitating your learning so that you can increase your mastery of the knowledge and skills you need to practice in an effective and competent fashion. Since Social Work is a value-based profession, we will assist you to understand the values of our profession in theory and in practice. Living the social work values is a way of life and not only a job.
The student handbook is designed to be your companion throughout the Social Work Program. Please read it carefully and keep it as a reference, along with your HPU catalog and, when you are in practicum, your Practicum Handbook. Education for a profession is designed carefully around a philosophy of practice and a sequence of learning. You need to understand the elements of these in order to see how all the pieces--the individual courses you take and the lessons within them--fit together. As you move through the program, one way to chart your progress is to read this handbook from time to time. Review the handbook especially when you have questions about the program or are thinking about courses for the next semester. Of utmost importance are the policy sections on student conduct and behavior. You are responsible to make it your own and abide by it.
As a student accepted into HPU’s MSW Program, you will have many learning opportunities beyond the classroom. You are eligible for membership in the Social Work/Human Services Student Organization, the National Association of Social Workers, and (if you meet the qualifications) Phi Alpha, the national social work honor society. Taking advantage of these opportunities can lead to job opportunities and professional networking--and can be a lot of fun. Choosing a profession is a serious decision. Our goal is to empower you to help others. Helping, however, is a demanding goal. Along the way, particularly as we challenge you to look at your own behavior and motivations more closely, you may wonder if you have made the right choice. If this occurs, or if you need help with other problems, we encourage you to talk with us, beginning with your faculty advisor. Our concern will be for your well being and for you to succeed. We are committed to your success but it is a two way street and with all opportunities come responsibilities. Each of you will learn that a good social worker knows when to ask for help!
At present, your goal is quite naturally to receive your degree. However, it is impossible to learn in a few years all that are needed for a lifetime of practice. Social conditions, too, are always
Page | 6 changing. As long as you are a social worker, you will also be a learner. As any other professional you will identify your learning needs, set appropriate learning goals, and seek out learning opportunities. A commitment to lifelong learning is one of the corner stones of Social Work. Students often worry when they graduate that they might not be completely prepared for practice, therefore accept and commit to be a lifelong learner and in that way you will open the possibility for growth and excellence throughout your personal and professional life. You need not know everything prior to graduation. You will have the tools for professional practice, to be upgraded and refined as you use them. One of these tools is knowledge about where and how to find information. It is also true that a job that could be mastered in a short period of time would likely be boring after a few years. Whatever social workers say about their jobs, they seldom complain of boredom! Our commitment is to “grow” social entrepreneurs that are able to make a positive impact on the world around them.
In the BSW program, we train students for entry-level generalist social work practice, and in the MSW for advanced generalist practice. But the generalist method that we teach will be useful to you in personal relationships, and potentially in a wide variety of professional arenas. We are proud of our graduates who go on to practice as social workers. And we are proud of our graduates who go in other directions and do good things with their lives. The most important aspect is regardless of the field you ultimately choose, is that you are making a positive contribution to the world and its people—and are happy.
We hope that you have a great school year! With best regards,
Dr. Lorraine C. Marais
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SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
HISTORY
Hawaii Pacific University School of Social Work was established in the Spring of 1997 with the introduction of the first BSW course. After additional experience and planning, the MSW program was established in 2005.
The establishment of the School of Social Work was in response to requests from students and interest from the community. In keeping with University’s large number of non-traditional and working students, as well as the community’s needs, it was decided to prioritize the needs of working adults. No other School of Social Work in the community accommodates part-time, evening/weekend, and year-round study as Hawaii Pacific University. Core social work courses, for example, are offered primarily on Saturdays and evenings on weekdays. In addition, many of the social work courses are offered on-line.
In 1999, the first seven BSW students received their BSW degree. The first cohort of MSW students graduated from HPU in 2007. Since then, Hawaii Pacific University has graduated more than 200 MSW students.
ACCREDITATION
The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredited the BSW in 2002 and MSW program was awarded full accreditation in June 2009. The MSW program is accredited through June 2014. This specialty professional accreditation is in addition to the University’s overall accreditation by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Accreditation is a way of ensuring that all social work graduates throughout the United States have a common set knowledge, skills, and values, and have met certain educational standards. For more information, visit www.cswe.org.
MISSION
The mission of Hawaii Pacific University’s MSW program is to:
Prepare qualified students, especially working adults, for entry into competent, ethical, effective practice of advanced generalist social work. Utilizing critical thinking and building upon our diverse environment, Hawaii Pacific University social work students strive to enhance the social well-being of all people, provide leadership in culturally competent services at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels, advocate for social and economic justice locally, nationally, globally, and promote multiculturalism through furthering social work knowledge.
Page | 8 MSW GOALS AND PRACTICE BEHAVIORS
Graduate students are expected to achieve MSW Program goals and practice behaviors based on the Program's mission statement and the 2008 Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). “EPAS supports academic excellence by establishing thresholds for professional competence” (CSWE, 2008).
Goal 1: Professional Development
Graduates continue their professional development to become globally competent social workers, social entrepreneurs and/or leaders in their field.
Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Foundation Year: 1.1: Students participate in social work advocacy practice to ensure people’s access to
services in the context of diverse and multidisciplinary settings.
1.2: Students are knowledgeable about the history of social work profession, and are committed to promote the profession.
1.3: Students practice personal and critical reflection to assure continual professional development and career-long learning.
1.4: Student develop their professional knowledge and skills, and adhere to professional roles with continuous use of supervision and consultation.
1.5 Students analyze the contributions that social workers make to social entrepreneurship and to the knowledge building and leadership of the profession. Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Concentration Year:
1.1: Graduates advocate ensuring people’s access to services of social work in the context of diverse and multidisciplinary settings.
1.2: Graduates analyze and interpret the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structure and challenges.
1.3: Graduates practice personal and critical reflection to assure continual professional development and career-long learning.
1.4: Graduates synthesize and apply a broad range of knowledge and skills, and advance their professional roles with continuous use of supervision and consultation.
1.5: Graduates develop and apply specific strategies to contribute to social entrepreneurship and to the knowledge-building and leadership of the profession.
Goal 2: Values and Ethics
Graduates are professionally competent to practice according to social work values and ethics. Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Foundation Year:
2.1: Students recognize the significance of adhering to the standards of social work license and/or credentials.
2.2: Students integrate their personal and professional social work values into an ethical worldview that promote personal integrity and guide their practice.
Page | 9 2.3: Students make ethical decisions in practice and research by critically applying
ethical standards including, but not limited to, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics and, as applicable, of the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW).
Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Concentration Year: 2.1: Graduates are motivated to acquire and practice within the standards of social
work licenses and/or credentials.
2.2: Graduates reconcile their personal and professional social work values into refined ethical worldview that promote personal integrity and advance the quality of their practice.
2.3: Graduates resolve ethical conflicts in practice and research by critically applying ethical standards including, but not limited to, the NASW Code of Ethics and, as applicable, of the IFSW.
Goal 3: Critical Thinking
Graduates demonstrate critical thinking to apply the generalist perspective, ecosystems theory, and advanced social work methodology to client systems of all sizes.
Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Foundation Year: 3.1: Students demonstrate building productive professional relationship, effective
communication, critical and creative thinking as tools of social work practice. 3.2: Students critically analyze multiple sources of information and knowledge,
including research, evidence, strength and community-based models.
Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Concentration Year: 3.1: Graduates demonstrate building productive professional relationship, effective
communication, critical and creative thinking as tools of social work practice. 3.2: Graduates critically analyze and utilize multiple sources of local and global
information and knowledge, including research, evidence, strength and community-based models.
Goal 4: Diversity
Graduates are culturally competent to analyze and apply the dimensions of diversity and intersectionality, with diverse populations in systems of all sizes.
Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Foundation Year: 4.1: Students demonstrate self-awareness particularly about their personal values,
prejudices and biases, and manage them appropriately to the best interest of their client systems.
4.2: Students recognize and describe how cultural and social structures affect the life experiences of clients in different contexts.
4.3: Students demonstrate cultural competence that reflects awareness of and respect for diversity as a value that shapes practice with diverse populations.
Page | 10 4.4: Students recognize clients as experts of their own life experience, and collaborate
with them to design and implement effective culturally sensitive practices. Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Concentration Year:
4.1: Graduates demonstrate self-awareness particularly about their personal values, prejudices and biases, and manage them appropriately to the best interest of their client systems.
4.2: Graduates critically analyze and demonstrate how cultural and social structures affect the life experiences of clients in different contexts.
4.3 Graduates integrate indigenous and culturally sensitive/appropriate practices in the context of diverse and multidisciplinary settings.
4.4 Graduates affirm and respect clients as experts of their own life experience, and collaborate with them to design and implement effective culturally sensitive practices.
Goal 5: Socio/Economic Justice
Graduates implement strategies of social work policy practice and social change that promote human rights and advance socio-economic justice locally, nationally, and globally.
Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Foundation Year: 5.1: Students critically analyze intersectionality of various political and
socio-economic factors that affect civil and human rights at local, national and global levels.
5.2: Students are committed to promote the civil and human rights of marginalized populations including the rights of indigenous people (e.g., Native Hawaiians). Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Concentration Year:
5.1: Graduates integrate social and economic justice content grounded in an understanding of humanity, human an civil rights, and the global interconnections of oppression.
5.2: Graduates initiate social actions in collaboration with other professionals and communities to promote the rights of indigenous people (e.g., Native Hawaiians). Goal 6: Research and Evidence-based Practice (EBP)
Graduates demonstrate proficiency to evaluate and apply research-generated data and methods in social work practice.
Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Foundation Year: 6.1: Students are knowledgeable about quantitative and qualitative research in social
work practice, and understand scientific and ethical approaches to research related practice.
6.2: Students are knowledgeable about social research methodologies including positivism, post positivism, critical theory and constructivism for social work research.
Page | 11 6.3: Student understand the significance of policy analysis, evidence, strength and
community based models in social work research and social work practice. Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Concentration Year:
6.1: Graduates critically integrate the practical implications of quantitative and qualitative research in social work practice, and apply scientific and ethical approaches to research related practice.
6.2: Graduates are guided by social research methodologies, including positivism, post positivism, critical theory and constructivism for social work research.
6.3: Graduates integrate policy analysis, evidence, strength and community based models to appropriately apply synthesized knowledge in social work practice.
Goal 7: Human Behavior and the Social Environment (HBSE)
Graduates demonstrate critical analysis to apply theories and practices of biological, psychological, social, and spiritual variables to interactions between individuals and socio-economic system.
Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Foundation Year: 7.1: Students critically understand the generalist social work model and eco-system
perspective to their chosen populations and their interactions with social/cultural/political/economic environment or systems.
7.2: Students critique and ally human behavior and social environment theories to guide assessment, intervention and evaluation at multiple system levels.
Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Concentration Year: 7.1: Graduates critically understand the generalist social work model and eco-system
perspective to their chosen populations and their interactions with social/cultural/political/economic environment or systems.
7.2: Graduates critique and ally human behavior and social environment theories to guide assessment, intervention and evaluation at multiple system levels.
Goal 8: Policy Practice
Graduates demonstrate policy practice to ensure effective delivery of social work services to promote social and economic well-being.
Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Foundation Year: 8.1: Students demonstrate a critical understanding of the history and current form of
social welfare and social service policies, and use this understanding to formulate strategies that advance social and economic well-being.
8.2: Students critically understand the results of policy analysis relevant to social service delivery.
8.3: Students collaborate with social workers, other professionals, clients, and communities to advocate for social and economic well-being to influence policy change.
Page | 12 Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Concentration Year:
8.1: Graduates demonstrate a critical understanding of the history and current form of social welfare and social service policies, and use this understanding to formulate strategies that advance social and economic well-being.
8.2: Graduates demonstrate policy practice skills in regard to economic, political, and organizational systems, and use them to influence, formulate, and advocate for and with client systems.
8.3: Graduates initiate and collaborate with social workers, other professionals, clients and community to advocate for social and economic well-being to influence policy change.
Goal 9: Contexts
Graduates develop and apply strategies in response to the changing social/ cultural/ economic/ political contexts at local, national and global levels that influence socio-economic well-being of people.
Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Foundation Year:
9.1: Students acquire evidence-based information on changing social, cultural, economic, and political contexts, innovations and global trends that affect diverse populations.
9.2: Student develop strength-based strategies to utilize scientific and technological advancement to provide relevant and effective services to client systems of all sizes.
9.3: Students acquire leadership skills in promoting sustainable change to improve quality of service delivery.
9.4: Students recognize and develop understanding of local and global contexts of social work practice.
Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Concentration Year: 9.1: Graduates apply research and evidence-based skills to access information on
changing social/cultural/economic/political contexts, innovations and global trends that affect diverse populations.
9.2: Graduates develop strength-based strategies to utilize scientific and technological advancement to provide relevant and effective services to client systems of all sizes.
9.3: Graduates provide entrepreneurial and leadership skills in promoting sustainable change to improve quality of service delivery.
9.4: Graduates recognize and critically analyze local and global contexts of social work practice.
Page | 13 Goal 10: Application of generalist social work model
Graduates administer the application of generalist perspective, ecosystems theory, and advanced social work methodology to client systems of all sizes.
Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Foundation Year:
10.1: Students demonstrate partnerships with and among clients, constituents, organizations and communities that are based on participation, empowerment, collaboration and leadership.
10.2: Students recognize clients’ strengths and analyze assessment data to develop agreed-upon intervention strategies and outcomes.
10.3: Students collaborate with client systems, communities and/or organizations to develop culturally appropriate mechanisms and strategies in preventing and resolving problems.
10.4: Students utilize evaluation tools to critically analyze monitor, evaluate and document intervention outcomes and effectiveness.
Practice Behaviors upon completion of the Advanced Generalist Concentration Year: 10.1: Graduates demonstrate and initiate partnerships with and among clients,
constituents, organizations and communities that are based on participation, empowerment, collaboration and leadership.
10.2: Graduates recognize clients’ strengths and analyze assessment data to develop agreed-upon intervention strategies and outcomes.
10.3: Graduates collaborate with client systems, communities and/or organizations to develop culturally appropriate mechanisms and strategies in preventing and resolving problems.
10.4: Graduates utilize evaluation tools to critically analyze, monitor, evaluate and document intervention outcomes and effectiveness to ensure sustained changes.
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MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW) PROGRAM
The Hawaii Pacific University’s graduate social work education is built on a liberal arts foundation of courses taken in undergraduate degrees. The MSW curricula are divided into two years – the foundation year and the concentration year. In the foundation year of graduate school, students build a base of knowledge, skills and field experience in social work generalist practice with systems of all sizes at the individual (micro), family and small groups (mezzo), and organization and community (macro) levels. In the concentration year, students built on the knowledge and skills acquired in the foundation year and deepening their professional experience at the advanced generalist level with a focus on cultural competence – an approach that emphasize competent practice in diversity.
MSW REGULAR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
The MSW degree requires the completion of a minimum of 60 credits (48 course credits and 12 field practicum credits). Students who complete the MSW Program’s full-time course of study can earn their MSW degree in two years. Students enrolled on a part-time basis have a maximum of four years to complete the program.
MSW ADVANCED STANDING (MSWAS) PROGRAM
Students who hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work (BSW) from a CSWE accredited program of social work may be eligible for the MSW Advanced Standing program. (Refer to the Application Policy and Procedures Section for additional information.)
The Advanced Standing program consists of 30 credit hours. Students who are accepted into the Advanced Standing program begin in Summer Session III with SWRK 6050 (Graduate Study of Social Work for Advanced Standing Students). This course covers the differences in the purpose and organization between undergraduate and graduate social work education; and brings BSW graduates “up-to-speed” on topics covered in more depth in the MSW foundation year than in the BSW program.
Advanced Standing students who attend the program full-time (12-credit hours in the Fall and 15 credit hours Spring semester) will complete the program in one academic year. Those who attend the program part-time can expect to complete their course work within two academic years.
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MSW CURRICULUM
As cited in Miley, O’Melia, and DuBois (2011), the International Federation of Social Work (IFSW) defines social work:
The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being. Utilizing theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work. (IFSW, 2000)
Accordingly, the purpose of social work, as articulated by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), is to:
Promote human and community well-being. Guided by a person and environment construct, a global perspective, respect for human diversity, and the knowledge based on scientific inquiry, social work’s purpose is actualized through its quest for social and economic justice, the prevention of conditions that limit human rights, the elimination of poverty, and the enhancement of the quality of life for all persons. (CSWE, 2008, p. 1)
The MSW curriculum is focused on generalist social work practice. At HPU, advanced generalist social work practice is defined as:
The application of social work knowledge, skills, and values to a variety of settings, population groups, and problem areas. Generalist practitioners are able to be flexible, eclectic, and pragmatic in their approach to situations needing social work intervention. They recognize the inter-relatedness of individual problems, life conditions, social institutions, and social problems. Because of this understanding, generalist practitioners are able to analyze situations, recognize the potential for change, and apply the generalist problem-solving method appropriate at the micro-level, mezzo-level, and macro-level.
Advanced generalist practice prepares student for a more autonomous/independent level of work. Knowledge is more thorough in areas such as populations in context and intersectionality (the convergence of multiple roles/statuses), and intervention is based on a broader range of counseling and other theories and techniques. Advance generalist practitioners are competent in a wider range of evidence-based practices, research techniques, and in a range of administrative skills. They have knowledge of law as applied to social work practice. All the mentioned
Page | 16 knowledge and skills are framed within the context of cultural competence and sensitivity to diversity.
The generalist social work model involves the structured change process; also referred to as planned change and problem-solving process. The seven-step process planned change process described by Kirst-Ashman (2008, pp. 9-10) include:
Step 1: Engagement is the process of establishing a positive professional relationship between the worker and the client.
Step 2: Assessment is the identification of the needs, concerns, and critical information about the client resources and supports, and other factors.
Step 3: Planning (and contracting) is the process of identifying goals, rationally considering various ways to implement them, and establishing specific steps to achieve them.
Step 4: Intervention is the actual doing or implementation of the plan.
Step 5: Evaluation is the appraisal of the effectiveness of the plan and its implementation.
Step 6: Termination is the ending of the social worker-client relationship.
Step 7: Follow-up is the retrieval of information about a client’s functioning after the intervention has been terminated.
DESIGNING THE MSW CURRICULUM
The MSW curriculum is taken in a specific course sequence because courses build on each other. Therefore, students must take courses in the prescribed sequence. The six curriculum sequence areas in the 60-credit (20 courses) MSW program are:
I. Human Behavior in the Social Environment (HBSE) sequence covers the major
theoretical underpinnings of the profession for systems of all sizes. The main emphasis of the HBSE sequence is on knowledge development.
(SWRK 6200, SWRK 6201, and SWRK 7100)
II. Social Work Methods courses are designed to build on the theoretical foundation learned in the HBSE sequence. The main emphasis is on skill building.
Page | 17 III. Field Practice (Practicum) combine knowledge and skills learned in HBSE and Methods
courses and apply it to “real world” situations. The four semesters of practicum is a supervised experience in social service agencies supplemented with a weekly in-class seminar.
(SWRK 6900, SWRK 6901, SWRK 7900, and SWRK 7901)
IV. Social Work Research courses forms the foundation of evidence-based practice (EBP) and informs all social work learning and practice.
(SWRK 6300, SWRK 7300, and SWRK 7350)
V. Social Welfare and Social Policy courses focus on policy analysis, policy advocacy, as well as law and ethics for social work practice.
(SWRK 6500, SWRK 7500, and SWRK 6510)
VI. Social Work Elective courses provide students the opportunity to further support their area of interest.
(SWRK 6001 and SWRK 6002) METHODS OF INSTRUCTION
There are three approaches to teaching courses in the School of Social Work – in classrooms, on-line, and hybrid of both classroom and on-line instruction. However, the majority of courses are primarily taught in classrooms, typically meeting once a week in the evenings or on Saturdays for approximately 3-hours. Courses that are conducted in an in-class format may include lectures, small and large group discussions, video presentations, role-play and simulations, as appropriate, to name a few.
Courses that are also taught on-line utilize web-based educational technology. On-line courses promote active independent learning through multiple instructional strategies, such as pre-recorded lectures, case studies, small group projects, self-testing exercises, simulations, on-line group collaboration and synchronous and/or asynchronous discussions, to name a few. Students enrolled in on-line course maximize their learning experience by being disciplined, self-directed, and organized, as well as computer savvy.
More recently, the University has introduced hybrid classes, which involves a combination of traditional face-to-face classroom and internet instructions. There is an enormous variation to the amount of time divided between classroom and on-line time because there is no standard approach to hybrid (blended) courses. Hence, HPU’s School of Social Work is still in its infancy in design hybrid courses. Instead, many of the instructors utilize web-based technology to enhance their classroom instructions.
Page | 18 One of the benefits of web-enhanced courses is taking into consideration HPU’s Green Policy to preserve of our environment. For example, syllabi are only available online. In addition, students are encouraged to submit their written assignments via Blackboard (Bb) instead of submitting a hard copy. In turn, instructors grade assignments on-line and provide written feedback without having to print a hard copy of students’ work. In addition, students are able to download PowerPoint (PPT) lecture notes and other handouts. Students will also be able to track points earned for assignments and exams.
MSW FOUNDATION CURRICULUM (30 Credits)
The foundation curriculum is designed to provide all incoming MSW students with the basic values, knowledge, and skills needed to gain competence in application of the generalist social work to practice. An understanding of the profession’s values orientation, history and philosophy, and frames of reference for practice establishes a basis for students to progress through the advanced and specialized curricula of the MSW Program. All MSW students must complete the MSW Foundation requirements listed below unless they are exempted via advanced standing credit or transfer credit.
SWRK 6050: Graduate Study of Social Work for Advanced Standing Students
A transition course for students with a BSW degree who will begin advanced generalist practice courses in the fall semester. Review of topics not covered in depth in the BSW program to cover the differences between undergraduate and graduate social work education. Literature research methods are necessary for success at the graduate level. (Pre-requisite: Admission as an Advanced Standing MSW student)
SWRK 6100: Generalist Social Work Practice I
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic methods of social work practice, especially the steps of the generalist perspective and techniques of interviewing. Attention is also paid to the ecosystems model and to work across cultures.
SWRK 6102: Generalist Social Work Practice II
This course is designed to teach students about methods of generalist practice at the mezzo level. Generalist social work practice with families and small groups assumes that mezzo skills are built on the foundation of micro skills (individuals). The emphasis on group work is toward change oriented, support and self-help, growth and development, and preventive groups. The emphasis on working with families incorporates family systems theory and the ecosystems approaches. (Pre-requisite: SWRK 6100 or concurrent enrollment)
SWRK 6103: Generalist Social Work Practice III
This course is designed to teach MSW students about methods of working at the macro level with organizations and communities. (Pre-requisite: SWRK 6100)
Page | 19 SWRK 6200: Human Behavior in the Social Environment I
This course is designed to teach MSW students about human development. The course will focus especially on aspects of development that have implications for social work practice. SWRK 6201: Human Behavior in the Social Environment II
This course is designed to teach MSW students about family, group, and community influences on the behavior of individuals. (Pre-requisite: SWRK 6200)
SWRK 6300: Social Work Research I
This course is designed to introduce MSW students to the principles of practice evaluation and evidence-based practice. The first half of the course will focus on research methods used for practice evaluation. The second half of the course will focus on research methods used for needs assessment and program evaluation. (Pre-requisites: SOC 2100 or SOC 3100; and SOC 3200 or MATH 1123)
SWRK 6500: Social Welfare Policy I
This course is designed to introduce MSW students to the field of social welfare policy, and to specific policy issues and programs in the United States and abroad.
SWRK 6510: Legal and Ethical Issues in Social Work Practice
This course focuses on the consideration of current laws/legal decisions affecting the practice of social work, and the applications of ethical principles to practice dilemmas.
SWRK 6900: Graduate Practicum I
This course is designed to give students the opportunity to put social work values, skills, and knowledge into practice through supervised work in a social services agency. (Pre-requisite: SWRK 6100 or concurrent enrollment)
SWRK 6901: Graduate Practicum II
This is the second semester of practicum for students in the MSW program. This course is designed to give students the continuing opportunity to put social work values, skills, and knowledge into practice through supervised work in a social services agency. (Pre-requisite: SWRK 6900)
MSW ADVANCED CURRICULUM (30 Credits)
SWRK 7100: Cultural and Diversity in Advanced Generalist Practice
This course focuses on social work approaches to meet the needs of special and diverse populations. Students will also study the elements of “cultural competence” as defined by the
Page | 20 National Association of Social Workers. (Pre-requisites: SWRK 6100, SWRK 6200, SWRK 6300, and SWRK 6900; or SWRK 6050)
SWRK 7101: Advanced Practice with Diverse Individuals
This course provides an introduction to knowledge, ethics, and skills appropriate for multicultural advanced social work practice at the micro level. (Pre-requisite: SWRK 7100) SWRK 7102: Advanced Practice with Diverse Families and Groups
This focus of this course is on the knowledge, ethics, and skills appropriate for culturally competent advanced social work practice with diverse families and groups. (Pre-requisite: SWRK 6102; or SWRK 6050)
SWRK 7103: Advanced Practice with Diverse Organizations and Communities
This course is designed to introduce students to the challenges of working with social agencies and communities, with special attention to nonprofits serving diverse clients. Included is material on management theory, human resources, use of data, and finances. (Pre-requisite: SWRK 6103; or SWRK 6050)
SWRK 7300: Research Methods in Advanced Practice
This course focuses on research methods used for knowledge generation by social workers. The first half of the course focuses on the development of students’ research interests by identifying and analyzing literature and developing their research question. The second half focuses on several major approaches to social work research – qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods and literature reviews/meta-analyses. Combined with preliminary work in the course, the overall goal is a research proposal (introduction, literature review, and methods), which is focused on students’ interests. (Pre-requisite: SWRK 6300; or SWRK 6050)
SWRK 7350: Integrative Seminar in Advanced Generalist Practice
This is a capstone course in which MSW candidates synthesize their work and research relating to social work practice with a chosen group and create a paper suitable for publication. (Pre-requisite: SWRK 7300)
SWRK 7500: Social Welfare Policy II
A continuation of SWRK 6500, this course focuses on policy development, analysis and specifically on policy advocacy. Special emphasis is placed on public policies affecting diverse clients/client groups, and on the role of the social worker as public policy change agent. (Pre-requisite: SWRK 6500; or SWRK 6050)
Page | 21 SWRK 7901: Graduate Practicum III
This practicum course provides supervised work in a community social agency with special focus on a cultural group. In this course students will also learn and experience a model of peer supervision applicable to practice in the community. (Pre-requisites: SWRK 6900 & SWRK 6901; or SWRK 6050)
SWRK 7901: Graduate Practicum IV
This fourth practicum course is a continuation of supervised work in a community social agency with special focus on a cultural group. It will also continue the peer group supervision used in 7900, following the calendar developed at the end of that course. (Pre-requisites: SWRK 6900, SWRK 6901, and SWRK 7900; or SWRK 6050)
MSW ELECTIVE CURRICULUM
SWRK 6001: Resource Development and Fund Raising for Non-profits in economic challenging times
The principles and techniques of fundraising will be examined by focusing on fundraising sources and strategies for different types of nonprofit organizations and social service agencies. Topics include an overview of resource development opportunities from foundations, corporations, government (local, state and federal), individual solicitation, strategic grant research and approach, proposal writing, and individual donor programs. In addition the principles and practices of public relations, ‘positioning’ will be explored by integrating these concepts into overall fundraising techniques.
SWRK 6002: Crisis Intervention
Students will be provided with broad based, holistic information about the nature of crisis intervention and prevention work, and the theoretical rationale necessary for making informed practice decisions. The specific application of crisis theory onto advanced generalist practice is intended to inform students of issues relevant to conducting the practice of social work during a crisis situation, immediately following crisis, and in situations where the social worker may be faced with the task of assisting an individual, family, group, or community in dealing with the long term effects of a crisis experience. ENROLLMENT OPTIONS
According to the HPU Academic Catalog (2011-2013), “graduate students should complete the requirements for their graduate program within seven years of their first enrollment in the program” (p. 306). Most students complete the MSW program within two years.1 There are
a few students that have selected the option of completing the program within three or four years.
1
Page | 22 Full-time Study
Hawaii Pacific University considered graduate students taking 9-credit hours of courses per semester as full-time, which is also the minimum credit hours to qualify for financial assistance. However, MSW students must be enrolled in five SWRK courses (15-credit hours) per semester to complete the program within two years. Anything less than completing 30 credit hours in the first year of MSW program will prevent a student from completing the program within two years. Part-Time Study
A part-time student is any student who takes less than 9-credit hours of courses per semester. All students have the option of a 3-year or 4-year plan of study. Students, however, must complete all degree requirements within four years from the time that they first enroll in the School of Social Work. In addition, part-time students must register for a minimum of two courses in any given semester in which they are enrolled, excluding summer sessions, observing all pre-requisites and co-requisite courses.
In order for students to take courses in sequence, they must meet with their Social Work Faculty Adviser prior to registration to develop and review their Plan of Study, and to obtain course approval.
Changing Enrollment Status2
Students may request changing from full-time to part-time status upon completion of any given semester. Students may request changing from part-time to full-time status upon completion of the first academic year. Note that part-time enrollment status will require at least three years to complete the program.
To obtain approval to change enrollment status, students must submit a written request by completing the Request to Change Enrollment Status form and consult their Social Work Faculty Adviser, the C-GAC Academic Advisor, the Financial Aid Coordinator, and the Director of Field Education. If the written request to change enrollment status is approved by the MSW Program Director, the student’s Plan of Study will be adjusted accordingly.
FIELD EDUCATION
Each student must complete and submit the Field Practicum Student Information Form to Ms. Margo Bare ([email protected]), the Director of Field Education by June 1st to ensure adequate time to secure a practicum placement for the academic year. The form is available on the HPU MSW Program webpage:
2 The student must complete and submit the Request to Change Enrollment Status form to the MSW Program Director for approval. The student may obtain the form from his/her SWRK Faculty Advisor or online on the HPU MSW Program webpage.
Page | 23 http://www.hpu.edu/CHSS/SocialWork/MSW/Practicum/MSWpracticum.html.
Complete policies related to Field Instruction are available in the School of Social Work Practicum Handbook. Prior to placement, students need to be aware that a student who does not accept placement at two field agencies, which, in the judgment of the Director of Field Education, would be appropriate and who does not withdraw from the course, will be deemed to have failed the practicum course. In addition, students are required to successfully pass the Criminal Background check.
Page | 24
MSW STUDENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
APPLICATION POLICY AND PROCEDURES
Applicants to the MSW Program are required to have a degree in the one of the Liberal Arts, or to have at least 30-credit hours in Liberal arts subject. Liberal Arts subjects, as defined by the CSWE (2008), are those that:
Provide an understanding of one’s cultural heritage in the context of other cultures; the methods and limitations of various systems of inquiry; and the knowledge, attitudes, ways of thinking, and methods of communication that are characteristic of a broadly educated person.
Individuals interested in applying to graduate school at HPU are required to have a cumulative 2.75 grade point average (GPA) and submit the graduate application form, official transcripts, letters of reference, written responses to two essay questions, and payment of the application fee. However, the MSW program prefers MSW applicants to have a cumulative 3.0 GPA. For additional information to apply online and information for International applications, refer to: http://www.hpu.edu/grad/admissions_info/admissions.html
Criteria for Advanced Standing. The application process for Advanced Standing is a competitive process with limited number of students accepted each year. Currently, BSW students must have at least a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA) to be considered for advanced standing. BSW students interested in applying for the Advanced Standing program must have at least a cumulative GPA of 3.25 in social work courses and an overall undergraduate GPA of 3.0. In addition, it is highly recommended that one of the two letters of reference be from a former BSW faculty who can attest to the student’s ability to successfully perform advanced standing graduate work.
Application Review and Interview. Upon receipt of the application and required documents by the Center for Graduate and Adult Services (C-GAS), the application will be electronically forwarded to the MSW Program Director for review. The review of the application, references, personal statement (essays), and transcript by the MSW Program Director and one other MSW faculty member are used to determine the applicant’s capacity to succeed at the graduate level and general understanding of the social work profession. An interview with the student (in-person, telephone, or through SKYPE) by one of the MSW faculty and/or the MSW Program Director may be required for further assessment of the student’s potential success for graduate studies. The MSW Program Director, upon completion of the application review and interview process, makes the final determination of admission into the Program.
Page | 25 Notification letters are generally mailed immediately after a decision is made. Applicants who have been admitted to the MSW Program will receive additional registration information from the Center for Graduate and Adult Services with an official acceptance letter from the University. Pre-Requisite Courses. Applicants are also required to have had a course equivalent to research methods applicable to the social sciences (e.g., Fundamental of Research; Methods of Inquiry, etc.) and a statistics course that includes computer application (e.g., SPSS, Excel, etc.). Both courses are pre-requisites for SWRK 6300 (Research Methods in Social Work).
If an applicant is accepted to the MSW Program before completing the pre-requisite courses, the pre-requisite courses should be taken during the summer prior to starting the Fall Semester or within the first semester of enrollment.
TRANSFER OF CREDITS
MSW students from other universities may be admitted to the School of Social Work as transfer students. According to HPU policy (HPU Academic Catalog, 2011 - 2013), “transfer credit is awarded on a course-by-course basis or on the basis of an established articulation agreement between HPU and the transferring institution” (p. 33). Therefore, the provision of documentation may be required to ensure the transfer of credits is equivalent to HPU MSW curriculum requirement.
“MSW students may receive up to 15 semester hours of transfer credit for pertinent graduate work completed at other accredited colleges or universities [and] must have been completed no more than five years before initial enrollment in the HPU graduate program” (HPU Academic Catalog, 2011-2013, p. 306). The petition to transfer credits from another accredited MSW Program must be approved by the MSW Program Director, Dean (or Associate Dean) of CHSS, and the C-GAS Academic advisor. Furthermore, in order for students to receive appropriate socialization into the profession, social work methods and field courses will not be transferred MSW programs that are not accredited by CSWE.
Therefore, students wishing to transfer credits in social work courses from other CSWE accredited Social Work programs must, by HPU policy, present official transcripts. Students must also provide information about the course description, assignment, text, and syllabi if requested, so that an adequate determination can be made of the equivalency of the course to HPU’s course(s).
No Academic Credit for Life Experience. Experience in social services or other experiences are valuable in the shaping of students’ understanding of the field and its contribution to the community. Unfortunately, the School of Social Work does not give academic credit for life experiences as a matter of CSWE accreditation and sound educational practice. Students with
Page | 26 social services and other life experiences related to the field of social work are encouraged to be open to new learning and different ways of doing things while in graduate school.
CONDITIONAL ADMISSION
Some applicants may be admitted to the School of Social Work conditionally, based on a variety of circumstances, such as:
Being under academic probation;
Subject to completing pre-requisite courses; and
The provision of documentation for advanced standing, to name a few.
Students who are admitted to the School of Social Work under academic probation are admitted conditionally because their undergraduate cumulative GPA is under 2.75.
ORIENTATION
All social worker students are mandated to attend the School of Social Work Welcome and Orientation scheduled on the first Saturday of the Fall Semester to meet the faculty, other students, and to orient students to the up-dated School of Social Work BSW/MSW Student Handbook. Social Work students who volunteered to be Peer Mentors will facilitate the small group discussions.
SOCIAL WORK AND ACADEMIC ADVISING
Social Work Faculty Advisor. Every student is assigned a Social Work Faculty Advisor at the beginning of the Fall semester. In most instances, the Social Work Faculty Advisor follows the student throughout the MSW Program.3 Each Social Work Faculty Advisor will work with student advisees to clarify educational options, to answer questions about the MSW program, and to serve as a primary contact person.
Social Work Faulty Advisors are to be the first point of contact for any or all of the following: a. Plan of Study and Registration (including add/drop, leaves of absence, and withdrawals); b. Change from full-time to part-time, or vice versa;
c. Clarification of all academic policies and procedures (i.e., advanced standing and exemption, graduation requirements, grading policies, directed study);
d. Discussions regarding academic expectations and performance;
e. Mediation in situations where the student finds himself/herself in conflict with faculty; administration, or academic/performance standard policies; and
f. Information about support services within Hawaii Pacific University.
3
Requests for a change of advisor should be discussed with the present Social Work Faculty Advisor and then directed to the MSW Program Director.
Page | 27 Discussions with the Social Work Faculty Advisor should supplement (not replace) the student/faculty relationship students have with their instructors. The Social Work Faculty Advisor is the person with whom students discuss their experiences as a student in the School. Hence, do not hesitate to telephone or e-mail your Social Work Faculty Advisor for an appointment.
The function of the Social Work Faculty Advisor, however, is not as a therapist; faculty advising is not therapy. Students whose personal concerns are interfering with their performance in the classroom or field or who are experiencing personal distress will be referred to appropriate University or community resources.
C-GAS Academic Advisor. In addition, MSW students are assigned to an Academic Advisor
from C-GAS. The Academic Advisor from C-GAS provides is responsible for clearing MSW students in the HPU system to enable the students to register online for courses once the Social Work Faculty Advisor has approved the courses. The C-GAS Academic Advisor also acts as a liaison to all other University programs and services. Mr. Trevor LaClair currently is acting as the SWRK academic advisor ([email protected])
Plan of Study and Registration Procedures. Upon admission to the MSW Program, the MSW Program Director develops an initial Plan of Study with the student. The Plan of Study outlines the list of courses to be taken. The MSW Program Director with then submit this approved courses to the Academic Advisor at the Center for Graduate and Adult Services (C-GAS) to clear the student in the HPU system to enable the student to register online for those approved courses. The original copy of the Plan of Study will be placed in the student’s file for future reference and a copy with be given to the student, signed by both the MSW Program Director and the student. Students are required to meet with their Social Work Faculty Advisor to up-date their Plan of Study prior to registration, before the end of the preceding semester. The Social Work Faculty Advisor will also review the student’s grades and GPA to ensure that the student is: (a) following the Plan of Study; and (b) maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.0. The Social Work Faculty Advisor will then submit approved courses to the Academic Advisor at C-GAS to clear the student in the HPU system to enable the student to register online for the following semester. To avoid late registration fees, students are encouraged to register during the registration period, as listed on HPU Pipeline.
Students should contact Mr. Trevor LaClair ([email protected]) C-GAS Academic Advisor, if problems occur during online registration. Please note that students must clear any outstanding financial obligations or other holds on their account (e.g., T.B. clearance documentation, $200 tuition deposit each semester, etc.) before they are able to register for their courses.
Page | 28 ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES
Withdrawal Policy and Procedures
The purpose of the January 1, 2011 policy related to withdrawing from SWRK courses are to: (a) maintain the academic integrity of the social work program according to the CSWE 2008
Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards; and (b) enable students to re-assess their career goals and priorities to be academically successful in pursuing a social work degree.
Students should not withdraw (drop) from any of the SWRK courses without first consulting their SWRK Faculty Advisor because these courses are required for progression in the MSW program. Withdrawal from one or more courses will have a significant effect on this progression. Therefore, withdrawal from SWRK courses is limited to health, personal, or emergency situations and not due to having difficulties in a course or for not meeting academic requirements as stated in the HPU Academic Handbook (2011 - 2013, p. 39).
There are major implications for a student who withdraws from two or more SWRK courses in the student’s academic career, because the student is failing grade-related standards at mid-term. Therefore, students who are having difficulty in their courses should first make every effort to work with their instructors, SWRK faculty advisor, and/or field instructor as soon as possible (prior to mid-term) for assistance.
A student may withdraw from a SWRK course with written approval4 from the MSW Program Director due to extreme difficulty in meeting grade-related standards. Upon receiving approval from the MSW Program Director to withdraw from the course, the student:
Will be placed on academic probation and part-time status in the following regular semester. If the student receives a cumulative G.P.A. 3.00 in the MSW program at the end of the probation semester, then the student may be granted permission to return to full-time status in the following semester; and
Must enroll in the SWRK course when it is offered during the regular semester; and maintain a 3.0 GPA to continue in the MSW program.
Withdrawal and Leave of Absence from University and the School of Social Work
As stated in the HPU Academic Catalog (2011-2013), “a student maintains ‘continuous enrollment’ by being enrolled in courses at the University throughout each fall and spring semester following admission. Occasionally students may temporarily interrupt their academic studies due to health, personal, or emergency situations” (p. 39). In such circumstances, the student will follow policy and procedures that are outlined in the HPU Academic Catalog
4 The student must follow the Change in Registration Policy and Procedures and complete and submit Drop/Add Form to
MSW Program Director for approval. The form is available in hard copy from the Social Work Administrative Office MP 201 A or on the HPU website: http://www.hpu.edu/dropadd.
Page | 29 2013) and note, “no withdrawal [or leave of absence] is considered official unless the proper form has been completed, submitted, and processed by the Registrar’s Office” (p. 39).
Change In Registration (Drop/Add) Policy and Procedures
Accordingly, “courses may be changed only during the periods indicated on the policy sheet provided at each registration” (Hawaii Pacific University Academic Catalog, 2011 – 2013, p. 39). MSW students, who wish to change their schedule, must first contact their social work faculty advisor to review the Plan of Study and ensure that students take course in the prescribed sequential order. Depending on the circumstances, the student may also need to contact the Center for Graduate and Adult Services (C-GAS) Academic Advisor, Mr. Trevor LaClair ([email protected]), for assistance. Refer to the Withdrawal Policy and Procedure Section of this handbook.
Petition to Graduate
Notification to apply for graduation is sent to students via students’ pipeline email. Students who are completing the MSW program course requirements by the end of a given semester must complete a Petition to Graduate Form and a graduation survey. The Petition to Graduate Form is available at the Center for Graduate and Adult Services (C-GAS) in UB 911. Students are required to submit the completed form to the MSW Academic Advisor for approval. All Petitions to Graduate are assessed a processing fee.
Honors at Graduation
Students with a minimum GPA of 3.7 are considered for the award of “With Distinction” at graduation. Additional requirements to graduate with distinction are listed in the HPU Academic Catalog (2011 – 2013, p. 307).
Page | 30
PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS
Social work values and professional conduct are at the heart of what HPU teaches in its School of Social Work. The most widely used statement of social work values and professional conduct is the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Hence, HPU social work students are responsible for understanding and adhering to the NASW Code of Ethics, whether they are NASW members or not. Performance standards for students in the HPU School of Social Work are divided into four general areas:Area I: Basic capacity to acquire professional skills Area II: Mental and emotional abilities
Area III: Professional commitment, behavior, and awareness Area IV: Scholastic (Academic) Performance
These Performance Standards apply to all social work students accepted into the Hawaii Pacific University School of Social Work. They are in addition to the Hawaii Pacific University’s Code of Student Conduct described in the University’s Student Handbook. The ultimate goal of the performance standards is to help students become successful social work professionals in preparation for a profession which holds high standards and because the School of Social Work has a responsibility to the community and students’ present/future clients, as well as to one another. Therefore, the faculty will observe and evaluate students’ professional behavior and attitudes, in addition to what material students learn. In some cases, the standards may lead to a decision that social work is not the right profession for the student.
AREA I: BASIC CAPACITY TO ACQUIRE PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
The capacity to acquire professional skills and demonstrate core competencies in accordance with CSWE EPAS requires communication, interpersonal, cognitive, and physical skills. The standards for these skills are as follows:
Communication Skills: Students who meet this standard demonstrate sufficient written, verbal, and nonverbal skills to comprehend information and communicate ideas and feelings clearly and appropriately. Therefore, students are expected to:
o Write clearly, use correct grammar and spelling, and apply appropriate writing styles, including American Psychological Association (APA) referencing, as required, citing and documenting sources appropriately. Students must also have sufficient skill in reading English to understand content presented in the School of Social Work and to complete all written assignments adequately as specified by faculty and practicum supervisors.
o Communicate effectively and sensitively with other students, faculty, staff, clients, professionals, and community members encountered as part of the students’
